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Three PathwayConnect Graduates Earn First BYU-Idaho Certificates Awarded in Brazil

Enrollment for BYU-Idaho certificates is on the rise

Three former PathwayConnect Ƶ became the first in Brazil to earn Brigham Young University-Idaho certificates on February 9.

A special gathering was held in Curitiba, Brazil, to honor the Ƶ. BYU-Idaho certificates were awarded to:

  • Jéssica Bruna de Oliveira (Web-Media Certificate)
  • Jefferson Santos (Computer Information Systems Certificate)
  • Edvaldo de Oliveira Melo (Computer Information Systems Certificate)

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity I had with this inspired program,” said Jefferson Santos.
While BYU-Idaho certificates are currently the least sought-after credential, coming in last to associate and bachelor’s degrees — enrollment is on the rise. Thanks to PathwayConnect’s campaign, which has placed an institutional emphasis on informing Ƶ of the benefits of earning a certificate, the number of Ƶ who enroll in a certificate programs has risen from below 5 percent to more than 95 percent.

Certificate programs can be completed with as few as five courses, helping Ƶ gain marketable skills and become more employable quickly. Students can then apply their certificate toward an associate and/or bachelor’s degree program, if they desire.

A BYU-Pathway group in Curitiba Centro.
PathwayConnect Ƶ in Curitiba, Brazil gathered to honor Ƶ who received BYU-Idaho certificates.
Jefferson Santos, Edvaldo Melo, and Alex Oliveira, father of Jéssica Oliveira
Jefferson Santos (left), Edvaldo de Oliveira Melo (middle), and Alex Oliveira, Jéssica Bruna de Oliveira’s father (right).

To watch the Brazilian Ƶ receive their certificates, click the video below.